On Wednesday, thousands braved the cold winter weather to join the March for Life in Washington, DC. I applaud those who participated and thank them for standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. As your representative, I will continue the fight to protect the sanctity of human life.
I was back in the district this week, and it was great to be home. On Wednesday I visited IBM in Resarch Triangle Park, where I participated in a roundtable discussion of women in technology and toured IBM’s Gold LEED Center. You can find more information about this visit in the newsletter below.
Obamacare has made many appearances in the news this week, and as per usual, none of the news was good. The most recent mention of Obamacare was in relation to Moody’s Investor Service, which verified something Republicans have been saying for years—Obamacare is harming America’s healthcare system. Moody’s recently changed its outlook from stable to negative in regards to the U.S. health care insurance sector, and it cites Obamacare as one of the prime culprits for this downgrade. Everyday we see new examples in the form of canceled plans, layoffs, soaring premiums and lost coverage. To read my full statement related to Moody’s rating, scroll down or visit my website at Ellmers.house.gov.
Unfortunately, many are just beginning to experience the repercussions of Obamacare. A new survey shows that only 11 percent of people who bought health insurance under the new health care law didn’t have insurance previously. This number is a far cry from those originally projected by the White House. Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini sums it up in this one sentence: “Obamacare has just shifted people who were insured in the individual market to the public exchanges.”
The Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch reported a survey that was recently conducted on midsized companies, which shows the effects of Obamacare: “A majority of middle-market companies said that uncertainty around government policies is impeding their ability to grow and their willingness to hire and spend…The impact of healthcare legislation continues to be the largest concern.”
Considering all the problems the new health care law has caused, it is not surprising that this Fox News poll shows support for Obamacare at a record low—with 59 percent of voters opposed to the health care law.
On Tuesday night the president will deliver the State of the Union speech. I hope you will take a few moments to answer the survey below, which will let me know what you would like to hear the president address.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged in our community and with the happenings in my office. Please share this information with your friends, and don’t hesitate to contact my office if we can ever be of assistance to you.
Talking Women in Technology at IBM
It was a pleasure to visit IBM in Research Triangle Park on Wednesday. I released this statement following my visit:
“I was thoroughly impressed with my visit to IBM in Raleigh today and by the many hard working North Carolinians who work to make this company a source of pride for American innovation and private sector success. I was also impressed by the insight shared at this morning’s meeting with the women who make IBM and our community a vibrant force. We discussed a number of issues, including the importance of immigration reform and IBM’s commitment to hiring and mentoring our military veterans. I also had the opportunity to discuss the importance of tax reform and how this will help companies like IBM reinvest in growth, education and job creation.”
“They expressed many of the fears and anxieties that countless people are experiencing across the country as well as the determined spirit to overcome incredible obstacles. As technology and business continue to evolve in the 21st Century, it must do so in responsible ways that promote innovation and opportunities for people to earn success while also protecting our citizens through cyber security. This was a very productive visit, and I would like to thank Vice President Bob Greenberg and the people of IBM for all the work they have done to improve our communities.”
Additional photos from my visit can be found below in this newsletter.
Moody’s Downgrades Due to Obamacare
The credit-rating agency Moody’s changed the outlook for the U.S. health care insurance sector from stable to negative this week. The Washington Times reported Moody’s explanation for the change: “While all of these issues had been on our radar screen as we approached 2014, a new development and a key factor for the change in outlook is the unstable and evolving regulatory environment under which the sector is operating,” Moody’s said. “Notably, new regulations and presidential announcements over the last several months with respect to the ACA have imposed operational changes well after product and pricing decisions had been finalized.”
I released the following statement on Thursday regarding Moody’s downgrade due to Obamacare:
“This morning, Moody’s verified something we have warned about for years: that America’s health care system is facing imminent danger due to Obamacare. Each and every day since the law has been implemented, a domino effect of canceled plans, layoffs, soaring premiums, and lost coverage has translated into a nightmare for the American people. How much more proof is needed before President Obama acknowledges the failure of his signature law and takes the necessary actions to protect the economy from further damage? Hard working Americans should not be left to suffer under this law’s continuous assault on our economy. We must repeal and replace Obamacare immediately.”
This morning, The Washington Times reported that Moody’s Investor Service has changed its outlook from stable to negative for the U.S. health care insurance sector, specifically citing Obamacare for the damage it will inflict:
The private credit rating agency said potential fallout from the Affordable Care Act’s implementation — including changes to the individual market and the impact of the law’s “employer mandate” on commercial group plans in January 2015 — presents the greatest challenge to health insurers’ credit profile. Lower reimbursement rates among Medicare Advantage plans also are creating financial pressure, it said.
“While all of these issues had been on our radar screen as we approached 2014, a new development and a key factor for the change in outlook is the unstable and evolving regulatory environment under which the sector is operating,” Moody’s said. “Notably, new regulations and presidential announcements over the last several months with respect to the ACA have imposed operational changes well after product and pricing decisions had been finalized.”
March for Life
I would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s March for Life for standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. My life’s experiences have taught me that every life is a precious gift from God, not for us to judge its worth. Please know that my pro-life colleagues and I will continue to fight the good fight to defend life no matter what the obstacles as we continue our mission in the 113th Congress. Thank you again to all those who participated and may God bless you for all for the important work you are doing.
In the News
Officials Praise Climate Center at Opening
The Bulletin – NC State
Biological sciences professor Damian Shea, who co-directs the center with Interior’s Gerard McMahon, said the center excels at pushing past traditional boundaries, bringing together scientists, business leaders and resource managers to confront one of the most complex issues facing society. It also has the backing of political leaders on both sides of the aisle. Shea acknowledged the support of GOP representatives Renee Ellmers and George Holding, as well as Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan.
Five years later Roanoke Conference in Ocean Shores continues to thrive
1450 AM KBKW
This year’s program will include a keynote speech by North Carolina Congresswoman Renee Ellmers. Ellmers has taken a prominent role in uncovering the incompetence surrounding the national health insurance exchange website. Indiana Lt. Gov. Sue Ellsperman, a key player in her state’s “right-to-work” reform effort, is scheduled to give the Friday night welcome address.
West Point Bound
The Nashville Graphic
In late December, Matthew Pope received the news he’d been patiently waiting for: he’d been accepted into The United States Military Academy at West Point on Congresswoman Renee Ellmers’ nomination. Pope said his mom, Angela, informed him of the news while he was riding down the road. “I was in shock,” Pope said. “I had to sit there for a few minutes and let the full effect kick in.”
How Do You Solve a Problem Like Immigration?
Op-Ed – The Fayetteville Observer
“Do we have a problem with our immigration policies? Regardless of where you stand on this issue, my guess is you would say yes. This, like so many important issues facing our country, requires a dedicated approach focused on facts and how the laws we enact impact our security, our economy and the lives of millions of people in America.”
Snapshots from the District
The photos below were takend during my visit to IBM at Research Triangle Park on January 22nd where I participated in a women’s roundtable and toured IBM’s Gold LEED Center.
